Discover Belize in 10-Day Latin America Adventure Itinerary
Sharks dominating a reef, jaguars in the rainforest, and the rarest birds are just what Belizes natural wonders offer. There are plenty of opportunities to explore with canoeing, biking, snorkeling, diving, sunset cruising, and hiking on trails and caves. This Latin America adventure travel will immerse you in rainforests and reefs to give you the feeling of a landscape that remains mainly untouched and mysterious, making for one unforgettable trip.
A tour at a glance
- Day 1: Welcome to Belize City
- Day 2: Crooked Tree Wildlife Reserve via Altun Ha
- Day 3: Lagoon Exploration and a boat trip to the ruins of Lamanai
- Day 4: Dawn bird watching, drive to Placencia
- Day 5: Kayaking In Placencia
- Day 6: Explore Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve
- Day 7: Travel to San Ignacio
- Day 8: Explore the Xunantunich archaeological site
- Day 9: Canoeing on the Macal River and visiting Belize Botanical Gardens
- Day 10: Departure
Tour Price
Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Belize City
Welcome to Belize City. Meet your private guide, who will transfer you to the hotel. Take a deep dive into the local culture and history with a guided city tour. Explore the bustling streets, charming colonial architecture, and vibrant local markets. Learn about the unique blend of cultures that make up Belize, from its African roots to its indigenous heritage and European influences. Take a stroll through the lush Memorial Park, or visit the Museum of Belize to gain insight into the country's rich cultural heritage. End your day with a relaxing dinner at one of the city's delicious local restaurants. Get ready to soak up all that Belize City offers on this exciting first day of your journey.
Day 2: Crooked Tree Wildlife Reserve via Altun Ha
Start your day with a visit to the fascinating Altun Ha Maya Ruins, one of Belize's most important archaeological sites. Explore the ancient pyramids and learn about the rich history of the Mayan civilization. Next, you will head to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Reserve, an expansive wetland home to various bird species and other wildlife. The journey to the reserve will take approximately 4 hours, including a stop at the Maya Ruins. Once you arrive at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Reserve, you will embark on a guided tour of the area, taking in the breathtaking scenery and observing the unique species that call this place home.
Day 3: Lagoon Exploration and a boat trip to the ruins of Lamanai
Rise early this morning and get ready to explore the lagoon by boat. In this birdwatchers paradise, there is the opportunity to spot wood stork, various herons, vultures, kingfishers, raptors and shorebirds, and perhaps most important of all, the rare jabiru stork, the tallest flying bird in America's standing at 5ft with a wingspan of up to 9ft. Next, embark on a thrilling boat trip to the ancient Mayan ruins of Lamanai (1.5 hours away), located deep in the heart of this rainforest covered in the thick canopy of tall trees, and enjoy the views and sounds of nature. Stop by for lunch and then return to your hotel to spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 4: Dawn bird watching, drive to Placencia
Rise and shine to an early morning bird-watching session, where you will observe the enchanting beauty of the local avian species. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary to see howler monkeys before you start the journey south along the beautiful Hummingbird Highway to Placencia, a charming coastal town approximately 3 hours away. Stop at a local organic farm and tree planting project and take in the fantastic views as you learn about tea harvesting. End your day at the beach resort of Placencia, a city located at the end of a narrow peninsula between mangrove lagoons, the Maya Mountains, and the Caribbean Sea.
Day 5: Kayaking In Placencia
Placencia is known for its rich underwater world and is the most popular beach spot for touring various Kayaks. Enjoy kayaking and relax at the beach. Then, visit the beautiful island called Laughing Bird Caye, a world heritage site only an hour away from Placencia. It is a picturesque abandoned tropical island that allows a guided snorkeling tour directly from its coral sand shores to exploring the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere. Have delicious seafood for dinner and return to your hotel for the night.
Day 6: Explore Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve
This morning you will explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary on a four-hour private drive. The reserve inhabits five species of wild cats, wild pigs, dwarf brockets, white-tailed deer, and Belize's national mammal, the Tapir. The park is also home to more than 300 species of birds that can be spotted on an extensive network of maintained trails. This tour includes a hike through the rainforest to a small waterfall and, for the more dynamic, a hike to the clearing of "Ben's Bluff" that offers outstanding views of the forest and towards Belize's most beautiful mountain, Victoria Peak, at 1120m. Check your hotel near the reserve for a delicious dinner and a good nights rest.
Day 7: Travel to San Ignacio
Leaving the park behind, drive three hours towards San Ignacio on the hummingbird highway, and stop at the "other" Blue Hole, a collapsed limestone cavern, to enjoy a welcome swim in freshwater from another vast protected forest reserve - the Blue Hole National Park. You will embark on a guided hike through the park's cave trails upon arrival. Explore the hidden passageways and discover the secrets of the underground river system. Learn about the geological formation of the caves and see the fascinating stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations. After your hike, it's time for the main event: the Blue Hole Adventure. Take a scenic boat ride out to the blue sinkhole and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. The brilliant blue waters of the hole are a sight to behold, and you will have plenty of time to explore, swim, and take in the breathtaking scenery. Retire to your hotel in San Ignacio for dinner.
Day 8: Explore the Xunantunich archaeological site
Today you will visit the famous classical Maya site of Xunantunich, Mayan, for 'Rock Stone Maiden' (an hours drive away). This ancient city dates back to the Classic Period of the Mayan civilization and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history. Upon arrival, you will be met by a knowledgeable guide who will lead you on a site tour. Explore the impressive pyramids, plazas, and temples, and learn about the theories and hypotheses surrounding the rise and fall of the Xunantunich civilization. Take a stroll along the top of the towering El Castillo pyramid, one of the tallest structures in Belize, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and hills. Marvel at the intricate carvings and intricate stonework on display. End your day with a visit to the on-site museum, where you can view artifacts and exhibits that shed further light on the rich cultural heritage of Xunantunich. After visiting Xunantunich, travel to San Ignacio and the lively market full of Belize's colorful local produce. After lunch, explore the caves by canoeing into the Mayan underworld at the striking Barton Creek cave system, placed near the Orthodox German Mennonite Communities found in Belize's interior. Then return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 9: Canoeing on the Macal River and visiting Belize Botanical Gardens
Begin your day with a leisurely canoe trip down the Macal River, surrounded by the lush greenery of the jungle. Take in the serene scenery, look for local wildlife, and enjoy the tranquil flow of the river. Next, visit the Belize Botanical Gardens, a lush and thriving oasis in the heart of the jungle. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of exotic and indigenous plant species, including orchids, bromeliads, and other tropical flowers. Take a guided tour of the gardens, learn about the unique plant life, and see how the local ecosystem functions. Relax in the peaceful surroundings, and end your day with a picnic lunch surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Belize Botanical Gardens. Return to the hotel.
Day 10: Departure
The time has come to bid farewell to Belize's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. After a leisurely breakfast, your private guide will transfer you to Mundo Maya International Airport for a flight back home.
